Shelly Mosman: Currents

Minneapolis based photographer Shelly Mosman has evolved her craft from an 18-year career in commercial and wedding photography, to a focus on expressive and imaginative portraiture. Mosman’s work captivates viewers through its bold diversity, weaving together rich influences from European art history with modern pop culture. Her series ranges from raw, black-and-white images, to vibrant, theatrical compositions, each one an exploration of identity, expression, and storytelling. Whether photographed in her studio or surrounded by nature, her subjects – both people and animals – are often adorned in quirky props, unique costumes, and set against vivid, stylized backdrops. Currents showcases Mosman's striking water-inspired portraits, offering viewers an immersive experience of her bold and distinctive vision.

MMAM 2025 Launch Party Friday January 24th, 2025, 7-10PM
Don't miss the Minnesota Marine Art Museum 2025 Launch Party - an evening of art and music as they kick off their 2025 exhibition schedule including Edward Burtynsky: Water, Shelly Mosman: Currents, and the book arts gallery exhibit Once Upon a Shore.
Tickets are $20, MMAM Members $15 

Artist Tour Saturday, January 25th 10:30AM - 11:30AM
Join us for an unforgettable opportunity to dive deep into the world of Minneapolis-based photographer Shelly Mosman with an exclusive, artist-led tour of Currents. This intimate, hour-long experience takes you behind the scenes of Mosman’s bold water-inspired portraits, offering a rare chance to explore her unique artistic process up close. As you walk through the exhibition, Shelly will share personal stories and insights behind her work, discussing her transition from commercial photography to crafting her imaginative, expressive portraits. Her pieces blend the elegance of European art history with contemporary pop culture in ways that invite curiosity and connection.

Tickets are $12 for non-members and just $8 for Minnesota Marine Art Museum members. More info and Purchase Tickets


ABOUT THE ARTIST
Shelly Mosman’s (b. 1972) photography career spans over 20 years. A graduate from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, her work is recognized around the world, has been published in Germany, France, Australia, Brazil and the U.S., and with works in the permanent collections of the Plains Art Museum, Rochford Art Museum, and Eiteljorg Museum. She was invited to show in conjunction with Art Basel Miami at Aqua in 2017. She has earned a reputation as a visionary in portrait photography whose contributions enrich the contemporary art scene.

Mosman is known for her narrative-driven imagery that captures the essence of her subjects. With a deep appreciation for storytelling, Shelly seamlessly blends elements of stylistic fashion, nostalgia, and the natural world to create striking portraits that resonate with a timeless quality. Her portraits often feature vintage-inspired props with animals and timeless environments or studio backdrops that enhance the narrative and transport viewers into a world of memories and dreams. Her signature series, Animal Child, epitomizes her unique approach by harmonizing the innocence of childhood with the powerful symbolism of animals, crafting works that are both whimsical and profound.

Image: Shelly Mosman, American, b.1972, Back Yard (2015). Digital capture, printed on canvas. 50” x 40”